On July 6, 2003, Umphrey's McGee performed at the High Sierra Music Festival, showcasing their growing reputation as a live band during this period. The band had recently released their album "Anchor Drops" in 2004, but leading up to the live recording, they were solidifying their musical identity with the release of "Local Band Does OK" in 2002, which helped elevate their profile significantly. This festival performance exemplified their unique blend of progressive rock, jazz fusion, and improvisation, a hallmark of their live shows. The early 2000s marked a pivotal time for the band as they began to expand their fanbase through extensive touring and memorable live sets, including this one at High Sierra, often seen as a launchpad for their later successes. Furthermore, their adaptive setlist and willingness to experiment with their sound during performances became a central aspect of their appeal, reflecting their artistic evolution during this era.